Confectionery, Jams and Sauces

Traditional culinary skills for confectionery, jam and sauce making have been transformed by the microwave oven. Now everyone can produce professional results using these microwave recipes - they are so simple. There is nothing nicer than homemade sweets and microwave candy-making requires no special skills, no constant watching or stirring. Microwaving has also taken the tedium out of jam and sauce making too, in more ways than one. Your kitchen will stay cool, cleaning up is easy and no-fail results will bring compliments from both family and friends.

Creamy Leek, Bacon & Mushroom Sauce
Italian Spaghetti Sauce
Strawberry and Apple Jam
Sugar-Coated Peanuts
Tomato and Mushroom Sauce
Vegetarian Bolognese Sauce

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Sugar-Coated Peanuts

Ingredients:

1 cup hot water
2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon red food coloring
1 pound (500 g) raw peanuts

Microwave Method:

1. Place water, sugar and food coloring into a large heat-proof bowl. Heat for 3 minutes on HIGH.
2. Add peanuts. Stir well (using a wooden spoon).
3. Cook for 18-20 minutes on HIGH, stirring every 5 minutes until sugar crystallizes around peanuts.
4. Turn out immediately onto a large metal tray. Cool and store in an airtight container.

Note: Turn nuts out of bowl immediately before sugar has crystallized, otherwise they will set in the bowl.